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in The Atlantic
by
Joseph O'Neill, May 2008
Irish novelist Flann O'Brien, whose real name was Brian O'Nolan, never achieved success or wide acclaim in his lifetime. Remarking upon the recent publication of O'Brien's five novels in one volume, critic O'Neill also briefly summarizes the writer's sad life, noting his alcoholism and turn as a newspaper columnist. O'Brien's originality, prescience, and comic gifts are highlighted in short excerpts. The earliest book, published in 1939 and praised by Graham Greene, is about a novelist writing a book about a novelist whose characters rebel against their author. This complicated writer is favorably represented in O'Neill's thoughtful article.
Posted 10:47, 11 April 2008
This abstract was written by
Cath Stockbridge
and edited by Brijit.
in The Atlantic
by
Lisa Margonelli, May 2008
Rational markets don't "leave $100 bills on the ground," but this article discusses a $50 billion opportunity that helps both the environment and the bottom line of various industrial plants. Some 55 percent of energy consumed is wasted and recycling this wasted energy can save industrial plants enormous amounts of money. Because of engineering complexities, counterintuitive regulation, and ruthless business cycles, many companies are failing to turn steam and other wasted energy byproducts into usable electricity. The article competently argues that this sort of power -- called gray power -- could be a key to solving some of today's environmental problems.
Posted 10:40, 11 April 2008
This abstract was written by
Douglas Hanna
and edited by Brijit.
in The Atlantic
by
Ta-Nehisi Coates, May 2008
Once America's favorite TV dad, Bill Cosby has spent the last four years touring the country preaching a message of black self-reliance. Cosby's brand of black conservatism, like that of Booker T. Washington before him, is angering critics but ringing true with mainstream blacks frustrated with the lack of prospects for the next generation. Instead of waiting until America eliminates racial inequalities, blacks should embrace personal responsibility and reclaim the glories of their past. In this reflective piece, Coates finds healing in the message, but still takes issue with Cosby's romantic notions of African kingdoms.
Posted 9:16, 11 April 2008
This abstract was written by
Jill Stoller
and edited by Brijit.
in The Atlantic
by
James Fallows, May 2008
This upbeat report indicates that there really is an alternative to slow, uncomfortable, security-laden commercial flights or high-priced charter services. Florida-based DayJet and a handful of other startups have recently begun offering on-demand, short-haul air-taxi travel powered by small jets featuring specially designed, fuel-efficient engines. DayJet employees use computer modeling and complex software programs to select optimal markets and set prices for booking trips. Fallows, a small-jet enthusiast, published an article on this very topic just before the 9/ll tragedy; the concept of easy air-taxi travel didn't fly then, but has a much better chance now.
Posted 9:03, 11 April 2008
This abstract was written by
Cath Stockbridge
and edited by Brijit.
in The Atlantic
by
Jeffrey Goldberg, May 2008
Goldberg's lengthy, pessimistic article on issues Israel faces on its 60th anniversary as an independent state contrasts beleaguered Prime Minister Ehud Olmert with much-praised writer David Grossman, whose son died in a 2006 military action ordered by Olmert. Actually, both want the same thing: a two-state solution featuring the surrender of some land (Gaza, the West Bank, or the Golan Heights) to the Palestinians. Yet the unpopular prime minister appears paralyzed, incapable of any forward action; meanwhile, Grossman, gripped by existential notions, refuses even to speak to Olmert, who clearly could use some thoughtful advice on how to secure Israel's future.
Posted 7:33, 11 April 2008
This abstract was written by
Cath Stockbridge
and edited by Brijit.
in The Atlantic
by
Michael Hirschorn, May 2008
Not only has Hillary Clinton failed to exude warmth and candor in real life, she has flunked the online equivalent as well, argues Hirschorn in this incisive piece on the touchy dynamic of Internet politicking and the public's demand for authenticity. He uses an amusing, faux-personal email exchange between himself and the two Clintons as an example of how the senator from New York fundamentally misunderstands both. He also argues that Barack Obama's frank admissions of drug use and John McCain's infamous temper stand in stark contrast to the "politicianness" that oozes from Clinton's every word.
Posted 10:05, 10 April 2008
This abstract was written by
Ian Beacock
and edited by Brijit.
in The Atlantic
by
Matthew Quirk, May 2008
Quirk argues that deporting illegal immigrant gang members ultimately increases the gang's membership and power. Deportation encourages gang members to depend on each other, causing an explosive gang problem with accompanying violence in Central America. Other members return to the US, bringing new recruits with them. Only the US, Quirk insists, has the infrastructure and resources to deal with the problem. Hardcore gang members should be locked up; other illegals should be ignored. Quirk's out-of-the-box approach is thought-provoking but the implications of his argument -- that the US should take responsibility for the gang problem throughout the hemisphere -- will not be popular.
Posted 9:46, 10 April 2008
This abstract was written by
Paula Jolin
and edited by Brijit.
in The Atlantic
by
Corby Kummer, May 2008
A latter-day Johnny Appleseed, John Bunker waxes eloquent on the subject of heirloom apples. Varieties nearly lost to local memory inspire his interest, especially since the day 30 years ago when he tasted a Black Oxford -- a Maine variety with dark purple outer coloring, creamy inner core, and a refreshingly clean taste. Bunker grafts and sells apple saplings, and fusses about the difficulties in describing exact tastes. Choosing which variety to plant depends on its intended use -- whether eating it raw, putting it into a pie, or brewing it up as cider. Kummer's instructive article only names a few types, but provides incentives for gardeners presently thinking about spring planting options.
Posted 9:44, 10 April 2008
This abstract was written by
Cath Stockbridge
and edited by Brijit.
in The Atlantic
by
Wayne Curtis, May 2008
Curtis sets out to explore Seattle using only information found on user-generated travel websites. After scrolling through thousands of postings about hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions on a dozen sites catering to travelers, Curtis mapped out an itinerary. While he acknowledges that relying on amateur tour guides has its drawbacks -- postings are sometimes incomplete, out of date or just plain wrong -- Curtis' conclusion is upbeat. But the fact that he spends about twice as much time online reading reviews as he does actually exploring the city might make the reader want to run out and buy the most recent copy of Foder's.
Posted 9:38, 10 April 2008
This abstract was written by
Paula Jolin
and edited by Brijit.
in The Atlantic
by
Ross Douthat, May 2008
Giving us yet another take on the most obsessed-over period in American political history, Rick Perlstein weaves the social, political and cultural together into his new book Nixonland: The Rise of a President and the Fracturing of America. From Barry Goldwater's defeat to Richard Nixon's 1972 landslide victory, Douthat convincingly argues that Perlstein's 800-pager captures the essence, but falters in its analysis. Perlstein gives the impression that mid-century liberalism almost always got it right in an America that wasn't ready for what it had to offer, and his arguments collapse rather than credit the Republican Party with restoring domestic tranquility.
Posted 9:37, 10 April 2008
This abstract was written by
Jill Stoller
and edited by Brijit.